Rivers Govt Fubara clarifies Appeal Court rulingThe Rivers State Government has made it clear that the recent Court of Appeal ruling in Abuja did not reinstate the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the State House of Assembly, dismissing claims that they are still members of the Assembly.
In a statement released on Thursday by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Israel Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, the government insisted that Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers automatically vacated their seats when they defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 11, 2023.
According to Iboroma, this defection triggered Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that lawmakers who switch political parties lose their seats. Neighbor recounts how woman abused 12 years old niece, burnt her with hot knife and forced.
"The issue of Martin Amaewhule and 26 others defecting was never brought before the Federal High Court or the Court of Appeal. Therefore, no court has confirmed their membership in the Assembly after their defection."
The Attorney General also clarified that the case before the Federal High Court and subsequent appeal was regarding the 2023 Appropriation Act and the interference of the National Assembly in the legislative process of Rivers State, not the jurisdiction of the defected lawmakers.
After the Court of Appeal rejected the government's appeal against the 2023 Appropriation Act, Iboruma criticized the decision as incorrect. There are false rumors circulating that Amaewhule and others in the House will continue to support him as a speaker. This is completely untrue.
The state's Attorney General also stated that the government will appeal to the Supreme Court to maintain the current situation and request a stay of the executions.
According to Iboruma, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has advised the people of Rivers State to ignore misleading rumors about the court's decision and assured that the law will be enforced to resolve the issue.
Nigeria Spends N1 Billion Each Month On Energy For Every Airport, According To Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.
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Nigeria spends N1 billion each month on energy for every airport, according to Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. He made this statement during an interview on Channels Television’s *Political Paradigm* on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
This significant expenditure underscores the financial strain involved in operating airports throughout the country. Keyamo stressed the importance of finding more sustainable and efficient energy solutions to address the escalating costs that pose a major challenge for the aviation industry.
"Our airports depend heavily on energy, and the current spending is not sustainable. We need to explore alternative energy sources to cut costs and enhance operational efficiency," he remarked.
"We are investigating renewable energy options, such as solar power, to ensure a reliable energy supply for our airports."
CBN Assures Public On Financial System Stability, Safety Of Funds
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CBN assures public on financial system stability, safety of funds
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN yesterday assured the public of its commitment to the stability of the financial system and safety of depositors’ funds.
Meanwhile, the Chartered Institute of Banking of Nigeria, CIBN and Body of Banks Chief Executive Officers, have expressed concern over the persistent social media criticisms targeted at Nigerian banks, stressing that such attacks not only undermines the hard-earned reputation of these institutions but also seeks to unfairly manipulate targeted banks.
Expressing the position of the CBN in a statement titled, “CBN Reaffirms Commitment to Financial System Stability, Safety of Depositors’ Funds, Director, Corporate Communication Department, Hakama Sidi Ali said: “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) wishes to reassure the public of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the stability and reliability of the Nigerian financial system. The CBN recognises the crucial role that confidence plays in banking operations and wants to affirm that all deposits in Nigerian banks are secure. “The CBN actively ensures that banks adhere to established regulations and best practices to maintain the integrity of our financial system.
Regular stress testing is conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities, helping to ensure that our financial institutions are resilient. In addition, the CBN has implemented Early Warning Systems that proactively detect and address emerging risks, allowing us to provide timely solutions to any foreseen issues.
The Bank’s approach to Risk-Based Supervision ensures that it focuses its regulatory efforts on institutions that may pose the highest risk to the financial system. This targeted strategy allows it to maintain a robust oversight mechanism while promoting the overall health of the banking sector. Furthermore, the CBN has established Memoranda of Understanding with the various countries where Nigerian banks’ subsidiaries are located.
This collaboration enhances regulatory coordination and ensures that our banks operate within a safe and sound framework in accordance with banking regulations, both domestically and internationally.
“The CBN remains dedicated to fostering a secure banking environment where depositors can be fully confident in the safety of their funds. It will continue to monitor and adapt strategies to safeguard the financial interests of all Nigerians and stakeholders in our financial system.”
Also, the CIBN and Body of Banks Chief Executive Officers, in a statement expressing concern over spate of social media attacks on banks, said: “It is essential to highlight the significance and contributions of the banking sector, which remains one of the most regulated and integral parts of Nigeria’s economy. The Nigerian banking industry is governed by rigorous regulations issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), its primary regulator, and other direct and indirect regulatory bodies. A large number of these banks are publicly listed and adhere to the highest standards of transparency and compliance, as required by domestic and international investors and regulatory agencies.
“If any individual or group has concerns or grievances regarding the operations of any bank, they are encouraged to direct such issues to the appropriate regulatory authorities. These bodies are equipped to address concerns impartially and professionally, ensuring that all matters are resolved through the proper channels.
“Resorting to social media attacks, blackmail, or smear campaigns not only undermines the hard-earned reputation of these institutions but also seeks to unfairly manipulate targeted banks. We urge individuals engaged in such actions to desist and consider the facts before making accusations.
“The regulatory agencies are well-positioned to handle concerns with diligence and professionalism. We remain committed to delivering the highest standard of banking services, guided by the regulations that govern our industry.”
By the first week in September this year, US health officials had already tallied 247 cases of measles, a highly contagious illness. For perspective, in 2023, 59 measles cases were reported during the full year.
This isn't surprising, as vaccination rates for preventable childhood illnesses have decreased, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Between the 2019–2020 school year and the 2022–2023 school year, the percentage of fully immunized kindergarteners dropped from 95% to 93%.
Even a small decline like this affects herd immunity that helps protect our communities. (Herd immunity occurs when there are enough immunized people to make spread of an illness among unimmunized people less likely.) For measles, we need 95% of people — children and adults — to be immunized to achieve herd immunity.
How do vaccines help children?
The vaccines given before kindergarten protect children against serious illnesses and possible hospitalizations or even deaths:
measles, which can cause pneumonia and neurological problems
mumps, which causes swollen glands in the neck and can sometimes lead to complications
pertussis (whooping cough), which can be fatal in infants
polio, which can cause a paralysis that can be fatal
rotavirus, a diarrhea that can lead to serious dehydration in young infants
rubella, or German measles. If women catch it during pregnancy, it can lead to miscarriage or birth defects.
varicella (chickenpox). While most infections are mild, the rash caused by chickenpox can get infected, and the virus itself can affect the lungs or brain.
What to know about vaccine exemptions and schedule changes
The most concerning part of the CDC report is that it's not just that families got behind in their doctor visits, it's that more are choosing not to vaccinate. Vaccine exemptions rose from 0.4% to 3% in the 2022–2023 school year. That 3% is an average; 10 states have exemption rates over 5% (Idaho's exemption rate was 12.1%).
Some parents have children vaccinated, but alter the schedule. In a 2020 study, researchers found that only 63% of families followed the recommended vaccination schedule for their children. Among those who didn't, the majority followed an alternate schedule, spacing vaccines out, skipping some, or doing a combination of both.
But vaccines are given on a schedule for a reason: to protect children from vaccine-preventable disease. Experts designed the schedule so that children get protection when they need it — and the doses are timed so the vaccine itself can have the best effect. When parents don't follow the schedule, their children may not be protected.
Worried about getting several vaccines at once?
Parents sometimes worry about giving several vaccines at once, something that the schedule calls for, especially at the 2-, 4-, and 6-month visits. Not only is it safe, but when parents spread out the schedule it takes longer before the child is protected, leaving babies vulnerable to these diseases. It also means more visits to the doctor: the study found that babies whose parents used an alternate schedule had three more vaccination visits than babies whose parents followed the recommended schedule.
Worried about side effects?
Parents also worry about side effects of vaccines and other risks, often fueled by information they get on social media. Not every person who gets these infections has a serious case or complications. But the risk of a complication of the disease is always higher than the risk of the vaccine, an important fact that sometimes gets lost in the vaccine discussion.
When children get behind on vaccines, they are more likely to catch vaccine-preventable illnesses — which is not only dangerous for them, but also for those around them who aren't vaccinated, as we have seen in measles outbreaks. It is not just children whose parents choose not to vaccinate them that are at risk, but also children who can't be vaccinated, such as newborns or those who are taking medications that suppress the immune system. Adults with suppressed immune systems can be at risk too. Parents often forget that the decisions they make about immunization affect more people than just their child.
How can you learn more about vaccines?
It's normal for parents to have questions and worry about medical treatments given to their children. After all, it's a parent's job to worry. But as parents question and worry, it's really important that they get reliable medical information from expert sources. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as Immunize.org and the American Academy of Pediatrics, have lots of accurate and useful information, and parents should always talk to their child's doctor if they have concerns.
The bottom line for parents
Think long and hard, and get information from reliable sources, before you change your child's vaccine schedule. The schedule is there to protect your child — and everyone around your child.
Bishops Abioye, Aremu To Retire From Roles At Living Faith Church
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Bishops Abioye, Aremu to retire from roles at Living Faith Church
The Bishops of Abioye, Aremu resign from the work in the Living Faith ChurchLiving Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Church, is preparing to bid farewell to two top leaders, Bishop David Olatunji Abioye and Bishop Thomas Armo.
These two bishops will retire in October 2024. Their retirement follows the administrative guidelines of the Ordination Commission, also known as the mission, which serves as the constitution of the church.
Bishop David Abuye's farewell service will be held in Dorumi, Abuja on Friday, October 18, 2024. While Bishop Thomas Armo's farewell service will take place at Living Faith Basorun Church in Ibadan, Oyo State on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
Bishop Abouye was a pioneer in this ministry, overseeing one of the first five branches established in 1987. He became the youngest bishop in history to reach full bishop status, ordained in 1993 at Bagh Iman, Barnawa, Kaduna.
Starting a church at the age of 32, Bishop Armo transitioned into full-time ministry after a successful career as a treasurer. He is the last remaining bishop among the seven consecrated in the garden of faith in Kaduna in November 1999, playing a significant role in the development of the church.
This retirement marks the first public celebration of ministers retiring from Living Faith Church. The retirement age, previously set at 60 years, has now been revised to 58 years. While the founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, retains the right to serve for life, future church leaders will have limited terms of one or two seven-year periods, subject to approval from the board of trustees.
Quelling the discomfort of atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, can be a daily quest. This inflamed, itchy skin condition can interfere with sleeping, socializing, and many other activities.
If home remedies such as gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing don't provide relief, your doctor might recommend a prescription treatment to apply to your skin. Which prescription cream is most effective? A new study boils it down to a few overall winners.
What is atopic dermatitis and the itch-scratch cycle?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The areas commonly affected include the face, hands, feet, or the skin folds of the elbows or behind the knees.
We don't know exactly what causes atopic dermatitis. Genes, the environment, and an overactive immune system all seem to play a role in creating inflammation, which feels itchy. Scratching the itch creates more irritation and inflammation, which causes more itching.
As the itch-scratch cycle continues, the rash gets worse. The skin might tear, ooze, and crust over, which can be painful.
Which skin treatments were more effective in the study?
Some prescription topical skin treatments for atopic dermatitis are more effective than others, according to a 2023 study published online by The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Scientists evaluated more than 200 randomized trials involving more than 43,000 people with atopic dermatitis (average age 18). The researchers compared almost 70 different prescription creams or ointments, which are broadly called topical treatments and are designed to be applied to affected areas of skin.
These treatments fall into five categories. If you have eczema, their generic names may or may not be familiar to you, but your medical team is likely to know them well:
topical corticosteroids, divided into seven classes ranging from the most to the least potent, decrease the release of an inflammatory chemical called phospholipase A2
topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors interrupt inflammatory signals as they enter cells
topical PDE4 inhibitors raise the production of a chemical called phosphodiesterase-4, or PDE4, and lower the body's inflammatory response
topical calcineurin inhibitors help suppress the production of chemical messengers that tell the body to ramp up its defenses
other topical treatments, including antibiotics and prescription moisturizers.
Researchers looked at which medications had outcomes important to patients, including which
were best at improving quality of life
were best at reducing eczema-related severity, itch, sleep disturbances, or flare-ups
caused the fewest serious side effects
were discontinued least often due to serious side effects.
Which atopic dermatitis medications proved to be most effective?
The study yielded some predictable results and a surprise. The overall winners were
two calcineurin inhibitors: pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic)
moderate-potency topical corticosteroids, a large group that includes fluocinolone acetonide (Synalar cream 0.025%) and triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog cream/ointment 0.1%).
What did these medications improve?
Pimecrolimus improved six of seven outcomes, and was among the best at reducing sleep disturbances and eczema flares.
High-dose tacrolimus (0.1%) improved five outcomes, and was among the best at reducing itch and eczema flares.
Moderate-potency steroids improved four to six of the seven outcomes, and were best at reducing eczema itch, flares, and serious side effects.
"That's in line with what we often prescribe," says Dr. Connie Shi, a dermatologist who often treats people with eczema at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. "The strongest topical steroids appeared to be the most effective at reducing eczema severity in the study. However, for longer-term maintenance we may consider switching to a moderate-potency steroid, or one of the nonsteroid options, to minimize the risk of thinning the skin, which can occur with long-term use of topical steroids."
The surprise finding: the study found little to no effectiveness from using a topical cream twice daily versus just once daily. "The traditional advice is twice daily," Dr. Shi says. "Once a day would make it more convenient to use, and it may help people stay on their medication regimen without decreasing effectiveness."
Which treatments were less effective in this study? The researchers found that topical antibiotics were among the least effective treatments for eczema.
Should you change your treatment?
"While the study included more than 40,000 people, what worked for participants may not always work for you, as different people may respond differently to the same treatment," Dr. Shi explains. "There are many factors to consider when prescribing a treatment, including your age, the areas on your skin that are affected, the severity of the eczema, and potential side effects."
The bottom line? "If a treatment regimen is working for you, then continue it, as long as you don't have any serious side effects," she says. "If your current regimen isn't working well, talk with your doctor or a dermatologist to see if there's another prescription cream or ointment that you may want to try."
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